A Tablet and a Laptop
Tablet
Dell made an interesting design choice here by having a barrel-like spine on one side of the device, which feels like the edge of a rolled magazine (well, a heavy magazine). It's a natural sort of feeling that would work a little better if it was smaller, and if the tablet was a little lighter.
As is, the tablet did feel a little bulky to use with one hand, but I will say it was a better one-handed experience than using an iPad thanks to the added grip from the round side. Overall I was spoiled by the fact that I'd used the Venue 10 7000 as a laptop first, and found myself thinking of the tablet as half of the device, rather than its own product. This isn't necessarily fair to the tablet, though the round side is a bit awkward to work with at times.
While it was useful to have the surface of the touchscreen at a constant angle, which helped with typing for example, it was a little strange not to be able to lay the tablet flat. This is remedied (again) by connecting it to the keyboard, which allows for a full range of options thanks to the universal mount. Switching the keyboard around and reattaching it to the tablet allows not only for storage of the keyboard and a flat surface if desired, but also creates a very good integrated stand experience. Once again I conclude that the keyboard is essential to the overall experience.
Laptop
I was struck from the beginning by how completely the keyboard accessory changes the character of the experience, and for the better. The only drawback I can easily point to is the added weight to a tablet that was already 1.32 lbs, as the keyboard adds another 1.03 lbs. 2.35 lbs isn't heavy for a laptop but it's certainly too heavy for a tablet if you leave the keyboard attached.
The keyboard seamlessly integrates into the tablet thanks to the clever magnetic coupling, in which both halves make up the whole of the hinge.
The keyboard has a bracket on both ends which magnetically attaches to the tablet.
Looking at the cylindrical side of the tablet we see slots located next to the speakers on both sides, and these slots contains gear-like teeth that mate with the keyboard's brackets.
The two sides click together easily and with a very tight fit, and the whole thing feels rock solid. Not only is this keyboard not going to flop around or fall off, but it actually creates a hinge that holds its position better than most laptops!
No matter what angle you choose, the tablet (now functioning as your laptop's screen) retains its position.
So how did it work in daily use as a laptop? Remarkably well considering this is still running Android. In fact, with the keyboard attached I only thought of the Venue 10 as a laptop, and it was such a great experience it made me wish it was running Windows so I could make it my daily driver.
The keyboard felt very good and I was able to type accurately after adjusting to the smaller size, though people with very large hands will probably find it too cramped. The trackpad was very smooth and responsive, and offered the expected response with two-finger scrolling. It really feels like you're using a normal laptop, and I kept having to remind myself that this was still Android.
This really needs a storage
This really needs a storage slot such as a microsd. I think if they sold this with Windows 10, this would make a killer mini laptop.
It has a MicroSD slot.
It has a MicroSD slot.
It does, and I completely
It does, and I completely forgot about that!
spyware
spyware
That price is bananas, you
That price is bananas, you would need to be on some good drugs to choose this android tablet over a Surface 3.
64GB Surface 3 and keyboard: $629
This crazy thing and keyboard:$838
Got that right !
Got that right !
The screen is the big
The screen is the big difference there.
OMG let’s strip down the
OMG let’s strip down the performance to sub-netbook levels and charge dearly for the chance to own such a gimped down SKU. No it’s a jack of all trades and an expert at none! What about getting one with Linux Mint, and as Carrizo APU. I’ll wait for the K12/Carrizo equlivent, and maybe a Steam OS based gaming tablet! Can this be any more overpriced!
How is this overpriced
How is this overpriced Android tablet given a silver award? Battery life is terrible, yet seems to be ok considering it’s a convertible Android tablet with an OLED screen? Throw Windows 10 on there and you’ll have a decent option. And in the conclusion, I like how you throw in the awkward kickstand reference… Is that to say the Surface series has such a kickstand? The only instance in which that would be true is if you’re trying to use the Surface in your lap. How often is that done? Especially when you’re trying to be productive? Please, don’t try to tell me you, as a responder to my comment, always do productive work using your lap. I don’t think that the work you are doing is that productive at all, if that’s the case.
My main beef is the inability of a reviewer to not rate a product bad just because a company sent them it. Have the guts to actually say what you think, which you sort of did in the beginning of your conclusion. That was until you salvaged the attempt by photoshoping your statement to make this tablet look better than it actually does.
Why not? I always use my
Why not? I always use my laptop in my lap, as I have a desktop for more serious work (photo editing, etc.). Why is that an unusual case? Sitting back in the sofa or sitting up in bed writing? There are tons of people who use laptops on tables (at the coffee shop, at home on a table or desk) and are fine with a kickstand, but I’ve never been this way. You clearly disagree but I don’t consider a device to be truly portable it if needs a table to function. For this reason I find the Surface kickstand to be inadequate.
It’s easier to accuse a writer of bias than it is to objectively review a product on its own merit. Is the Venue 10 too expensive? Yes. I would expect an Android tablet to cost $100 or so less than Surface/iPad. I mentioned in the review that I wished it ran Windows, that I wanted to use the device running Windows, and made the Android OS my biggest complaint throughout. I called it a flawed product but pointed out the incredible hardware design, which really is first rate and if I could get a Surface with this hinge I’d do it today.
I also urged readers to try it out before buying as the Android OS on a tablet isn’t for everyone. If you read through the conclusion I explained my position. Disagree as you do, but blithely calling me prejudiced is uninformed at best. You have the same need to pander to Dell as I, as long as that is zero.
These are the things that
These are the things that need to be included in the review. Perspective, along with the reviewer’s opinion make for a better overall picture. While I do agree that people use laptopsconvertibles in their laps, being productive with it is another thing. Even if you can type while in your lap, is that a preferred method for extended sessions? Have you done a multipage review while holding a laptop in just your lap? I have, and it’s certainly no fun. Which brings us back to the surface and it’s kickstand. The stand makes it a productive machine while not in your lap, but the ability to use the touch interface makes it portable and easy enough to use for quick lap jobs. And none of that makes the Surface a truly portable device…? In your opinion. What is, then? A MacBook? MacBook Air? Any other traditional laptop? The MacBook and Air have no touchscreens available… In my opinion that makes them not truly portable devices.
Maybe an idea for a review for you to cover, is one where you try to find the prime device to fit in this ‘truly portable’ category. I think you’ll find that such a device doesn’t exist, since arguments can be made about any product to the contrary of what you are set out to prove.
While this Dell Android tablet is of very high quality in build, it’s more of a proof of concept product. Will it sell well? I don’t think so, do you? If it won’t sell well, why would you make it other than to say you can?
Sebastian, how clean was the
Sebastian, how clean was the headphone jack? I saw complaints about noise in the Venue 8 7000, and this kind of thing is a deal breaker for me. Was there any noise, especially with low impedance IEMs.
PS. There’s a typo on the last page: “through”.